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Letters

Review welcomes letters from readers and will print them as space permits. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. Unsigned letters cannot be used, but names of the writers may be withheld on request. Send letters to Rochester Review, 147 Wallis Hall, P.O. Box 270033, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627-0033; rochrev@rochester.edu.

“Mark Noble and the other scientists involved in stem cell research are great assets to the University and the community as a whole.”
—Donna and John Testa ’76
More Noble Work

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 11 years ago at the age of 46. Embryonic stem cell research offers hope for me and millions of others who suffer from incurable diseases. The University’s efforts in this important research were well stated in Mark Michaud’s excellent article “Cell Decisions” in the fall issue of Review.

My wife, Donna, and I applaud the work of the scientists. We also thank President Joel Seligman for his leadership role in educating state lawmakers about the importance of funding embryonic stem cell research.

The article neglected to mention the outstanding effort of Mark Noble, professor of biomedical genetics, to educate the public about the critical need to pursue this research without restrictions and with increased funding. Mark has spoken to community groups across upstate New York and appeared on Al Franken’s radio show when it stopped in Rochester.

We have had the pleasure of meeting Mark on more than one occasion. He accompanied us and other stem cell research advocates on visits to local state senators’ offices. Also, he accepted the invitation of our Parkinson’s support group to speak at our annual symposium last year.

Mark and the other scientists involved in stem cell research are great assets to the University and the community as a whole. If New York does not follow California’s lead in providing funding for stem cell research, these individuals will leave to pursue their efforts at other institutions in different states.

Donna and John Testa ’76
Rochester, New York

An Institute’s Invitation

The Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender & Women’s Studies (SBAI) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a series of events supported by the College’s new Humanities Project and numerous departments and programs in the College, at the Eastman School, and at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

A number of speakers and events are planned for spring 2007, including a reception for Lani Guinier and an exhibition of recent work by artist Carrie Mae Weems. As part of the Women and Music program there will be a performance by famous sitar player Hasu Patel, and author Margaret Atwood and composer Tanja León will come together to discuss musical settings León has composed for several of Atwood’s poems.

In addition, León will be participating in a performance of her works during the Women in Music Festival. Atwood also will present a reading in the Plutzik series, sponsored by the institute and the Department of English. These events will be open to students, all members of the University community, interested alumni, and individuals from the Greater Rochester area.

More information is available at http://www.rochester.edu/college/wst.

Susan Gustafson
Director, Susan B. Anthony Institute

Where Are the Greeks?

In order to keep fraternity and sorority alumni of the University better informed about activities and initiatives designed for them, the Alumni Relations Committee would like to update its contact information for members of the Greek system.

Please make sure your Alumni Online Community account is up to date. If you are not yet an Alumni Online Community member, register at www.rochester.edu/alumni. You will need your ID number, listed on the address label of any recent University mailing. For help locating the ID number, please send an e-mail to webmaster-alumni@alumni.rochester.edu.

Janalee Biondolillo Associate Director
Office of Alumni Relations
jbiondolillo@alumni.rochester.edu